San Francisco: Tian Guo Marching Band Highlighted in Veteran's Day Parade

November 25, 2017 | By Minghui correspondent Wang Ying

(Minghui.org) Falun Dafa practitioners in San Francisco participated in the 97th Veteran's Day Parade on November 12, 2017. Their performance was well liked by organizers and spectators. One of the host exclaimed, “This is an awesome group. Spectacular!”

The parade began at 11:00 a.m. at the Embarcadero shoreline and finished at Fisherman's Wharf, the busiest tourist area in San Francisco. About 20,000 people participated in the parade, including the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Abraham Thompson, Tian Guo Marching Band conductor, said that the music they played was well liked by the spectators, including songs such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Falun Dafa Is Good.” He said, “We received lots of applause throughout the route.”

The Tian Guo Marching Band participated in the 97th Veteran's Day Parade in San Francisco on November 12, 2017.

As the band passed the stage, the host announced that the group was composed of Falun Dafa practitioners, and the music was very beautiful. He also thanked the practitioners for their participation each year. He announced, “Now, let's all really enjoy the music,” as he pointed the microphone towards the band. The band's music filled the area from the speakers, and people clapped along with the music.

Organizers: Excellent Music

Wallace Levin, one of the organizers, said he was glad to see Falun Dafa practitioners in the parade.

Wallace Levin, one of the organizers, said the performance by the Tian Guo Marching Band was extraordinary. “The costumes are unique and the music is something that I haven't heard before.” He said the music was excellent and the band was one of the best marching bands he had ever seen. He was glad that the Tian Guo Marching Band brought such great melodies to the United States and the world.

Dwane Kennedy, another organizer, said the band's performance was great.

Another event organizer, Dwane Kennedy, is vice president of the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Commission. He exclaimed, “This is the second year I am helping with this parade, and I can tell you that the performance [of the Tian Guo Marching Band] is really great.”

Huang Guoren, a coordinator of the American Legion in San Francisco, said he was glad to see Falun Dafa practitioners at the event. He also considered the music superb.

Spectators: Very Energetic

Many people who watched the parade clapped their hands along with the music, with smiles on their faces. Among them was Carma Wood from Las Vegas. She liked both the music and costumes of the Tian Guo Marching Band. She said, “It's wonderful and gives you energy.”

Many people, including Chinese residents, took photos of the band. Seo from South Korea and his girlfriend both liked band. “Bravo!” said his girlfriend.

Bob Lane and his daughter said they walked along with the band to enjoy the music. He said, “I like the music very much and don't want it to leave!”